SEO & Website Launch- Pre Flight Setup Guide
Before we start your website design and marketing setup, there are a few key steps that make the process faster, smoother, and more successful. This guide walks you through everything you’ll need to gather, set up, and share so we can launch your project without delays.
Step 1 – Don’t Stress
💡 If you can’t find your logins, get stuck halfway through, or aren’t sure what to do next, don’t stress.
It’s not a dealbreaker. Having everything set up early simply helps us both save time and avoid any roadblocks during your project. If you can’t locate your login details, we’ll work with you to recover access or extract what we need from public sources, backups, or your hosting account.
And if things get tricky after onboarding, we’ll help you through it, step-by-step.
In fact, if it’s easier, we can even take care of parts of the setup for you.
Brighter Websites is built for flexibility, you’ll never get stuck trying to “figure out the tech” alone.
Google Business Profile (GMB) Setup
Your Google Business Profile (GMB) is one of the most important assets for local visibility and map results.
It connects your brand to Google Search, Google Maps, and AI-driven search features.
See what to do:
- Visit Google Business Profile Manager.
- Register your business under your Google account (use a Gmail address you control).
- Verify ownership by video.
- Complete your profile with:
- Business Name, Address, Phone
- Opening hours
- Business categories
- (if its a new listing – wait to add Logo and photos)
- Invite and support@brighterwebsites.com.au as a manager
Want to Get a head start? – Register and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Ballarat Google Business Map Domination
Learn how to optimise your Google Business Profile in 2025‑26, including AI updates, local Ballarat tactics and when/how often to refresh your listing
Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Business Setup
Even if you’re not ready for paid advertising yet, having your Meta Business Suite properly configured means all your channels are verified and ready to connect when needed.
See what to do:
Create Your Facebook Page & Instagram Professional Account
- Facebook Page
Go tobusiness.facebook.com, create a new Page with your business name, category, and details. - Instagram Professional Account:
On your profile, go to Settings > Account type and tools > Switch to Professional Account, choose ‘Business’, pick a category, and add contact info.
Set Up Your Meta Business Portfolio
- Access Business Suite: Visit business.facebook.com and log in with your Facebook account, then click ‘Create a business portfolio’.
- Enter Details: Provide your business name (no special characters) and a business email (for Meta’s use).
- Confirm: Check your email for confirmation.
Connect Your Assets in Meta Business Suite
- Go to Settings: In Business Suite, find the ‘Settings’ menu (often in the bottom left or under ‘Home’).
- Add Accounts: Navigate to ‘Accounts’ and then select ‘Pages’ to add your Facebook Page and ‘Instagram Accounts’ to link your Instagram profile.
- Link Accounts: Follow prompts to connect your existing Facebook Page and Instagram account, or create new ones if needed.
Grant Brighter Websites Partner Access
- Share your Facebook and Instagram Page links
- During on boarding you will receive an email to confirm shared access
Domain Name Registrar Access
If you don’t yet have a domain, we will take care of this for you! If you do, We’ll need access to your domain to set up DNS, SSL, and email configuration.
See what to do:
If you already own your domain, confirm where it’s registered, common providers include:
- GoDaddy
- Namecheap
- Google Domains
- VentraIP (Australia)
- Identify Your Domain Registrar/DNS Provider:
- Use the ICANN Lookup tool to find who your registrar is if you’re unsure.
- Log In: Access the control panel for your registrar or DNS provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Google Cloud, VentraIP, cPanel).
- Navigate to Domain Settings: Look for sections like “My Domains,” “Domains,” “DNS Management,” or “Domain Manager”.
- Select Your Domain: Click on the specific domain you want to configure.
- Confirm you have access to “Nameserver Settings“: Locate the “Nameservers” or “Advanced DNS” section and click to edit or manage them.
- Note the account email and password (keep these secure).
- Delegated access when requested
Hosting Access
(If You Already Have a Website) We’ll need access to your hosting panel or cPanel to configure optimisation and set up new systems.
See What to do
- Locate your hosting provider (SiteGround, VentraIP, Hostinger, etc.).
- Confirm your hosting login credentials.
- If unsure, ask your old developer for access.
Brighter Websites hosting includes LiteSpeed, automatic backups, and CDN performance built in, if we’ll handle any migrations with no down time.
Website Access
If you already have an existing website, we’ll need admin access so we can review your current setup, gather assets, and make the transition smoother.
See What to do
- Log in to your website platform (e.g., WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, etc.).
- Make sure you have administrator-level access (the ability to add users or edit settings).
- If possible, add support@brighterwebsites.com.au as an admin so we can access your existing content and structure.
Email Provider Access
If you have professional email set up with your domain Your email setup affects your domain reputation, deliverability, and marketing integrations.
See What to do
- Identify where your business email is hosted (Google Workspace, Outlook 365, Zoho, etc.).
- Confirm admin access or credentials.
- Note your primary domain email (e.g. hello@yourdomain.com.au).
We can integrate your email with contact forms, CRMs, and automation tools during setup.
Marketing & CRM Integrations
Setting these up early helps your website automatically connect leads and analytics once we launch.
Recommended accounts to create:
- MailerLite, for email campaigns and lead nurturing.
- Google Merchant Centre, for product based businesses
If you use any of the following tools for integration
- CRM – Hubspot,
- Booking Calendar – Calendly
- Xero
- Stripe
- Airtable
- Asana
- Zapier
- Make
- Project Management tools?
and you want or have included automations in your set up, invite or add support@brighterwebsites.com.au as an admin or developer (If you account allows for it)
Wait to set these up unless you already have them
Invite or add support@brighterwebsites.com.au as an admin is you already have these set up – Other wise we will create these for you and assign you as the owner.
- Google Analytics 4, for website performance tracking.
- Google Search Console, for SEO and indexing.
- Facebook Meta Pixel, (set up in Meta Business Suite) for ad tracking and remarketing.
Secure ALL your Social & Local Profiles
Even dormant accounts help with early brand visibility and AI discovery. Create them under your business name so they can be linked for structured data and authority, and so you own your brand name everywhere.
Additional Suggested platforms:
- LinkedIn Personal and Company Page
- Pinterest Business Account
- YouTube Channel
- TikTok Business Account
- Threads or X (Twitter)
Consistency is key, use the same logo, brand name, and description across all channels.
Gathering Your Trust Authority & Proof Signals
If you want to take a more hands on approach – Help me understand you Business, Services and “Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness”. “EEAT” Signals are the real-world signs that tell Google, and your customers, you’re the real deal.
Brand Consistency
Pick one “source of truth” for your business details, this will be used across your website, Google Business Profile, and directories.
- Decide exactly how your business name and address will appear
(e.g. “123 High Street” or “123 High St.”). - AI and search engines get confused by inconsistencies, so choose one format and stick to it everywhere.
Real-World Photos
Gather 10–15 high-quality photos (smartphone is fine). Focus on authenticity, not perfection.
- You and your team in action
- Your physical location, signage, or branded vehicle
- “Before and After” shots of your work
- Behind-the-scenes or in-progress moments
*For one business with 10 low quality product images I was able to generated over 35 editorial photos to use across social media and blog content to help tell a story or invoke a connection with the content.
Original photos outperform stock images & AI Refined photos also do better than stock photos Google and AI models recognise them as unique signals of trust.
Branding Files Logos etc
If you don’t have any “Branding” screen shot 3 to 5 websites that you love the look and feel of – we can work it out from there. If you have them….
- Your logo in the highest resolution you have (PNG or SVG with transparent background)
- Any brand colour codes or style guides (if you have them)
- Preferred fonts or visual styles
Video Snippets (Optional but Powerful)
Short, simple clips (15–30 seconds) go a long way in trust-building. Raw and real beats polished — authenticity builds authority.
- You explaining what you do
- A finished project walk-through
- Client testimonial or thank-you message
The “Why You” Story
Write 3–5 sentences about why you started this business.
“I started this because too many families in Ballarat were paying premium prices for average lawn care.”
“After 15 years in carpentry, I saw a need for more reliable, local deck builders who actually showed up.”
This personal story connects your experience and motivation to your services — and AI picks up on it as a key E-E-A-T signal.
Accreditations & Awards
(Master Builders, HIA, Local Chamber, BNI, Rotary, industry associations)
Even small, local recognition counts. These are “trust hooks” in your content and schema. List or scan any
- licenses,
- certifications,
- insurances,
- awards,
- community support,
- business memberships.
Client Success Stories
Collect 3–5 of your recent testimonials.
For each, note:
- What service they used
- The problem they started with
- What you did
- The outcome (before/after)
- Where they’re located
We’ll use these to create proof-based content and schema markup for your website.
Your Services, – a new way to think about them…
Let’s make sure your website and messaging reflect how people actually buy from you.I’m not after a list of services here. I want you to start thinking about your services from a customer-first point of view.
You can probably “Profile your customers” and you’ll probably see a pattern emerge
- How do people find and buy what you offer?
- What’s the difference between a first-time buyer and a regular customer?
- What does a “next step” or upgrade look like for them?
Next think about
- Your last 5 customers that were first time buyers,
- 5-10 of you best repeat/regular customers,
- 3 or 4 of your longest lasting customers.
You’ll probably start to see a pattern perhaps like this.
| Service Pattern | What It Looks Like in Practice | Example Buying Behaviour | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Clear Service | Stand alone offer that people buy again and again, with little to no variation. | Customers usually know exactly what they need when they come to you. | Single Main Service |
| Main Service with Variations | You sell a core service, but with small variations, different packages, add-ons, or price points. | Customers choose from tiered options or upgrade paths (e.g., Bronze / Silver / Gold). | Main Service + Packages / Add-ons |
| Two or Three Related Services | You have a few connected offers that all serve similar customer goals | Customers come in for one service but often need or move into another. | (e.g., Lawn Mowing + Gardening + Ex). |
| Four or More Distinct Services | You have clearly different service lines that serve separate audiences or industries. | Customers buy one main service type at a time, rarely overlap. | Multi-Service / Distinct Offerings |
💡 Why this matters:
This helps me map your content and conversion structure to real-world buyer journeys, so your calls to action, service links, and page flow all guide people naturally to the right next st
Ready to Go?
Once you’ve gathered or created the above, and you are ready to get started, follow the link in your quote and proposal and book in your start date. We’ll review everything, connect your systems, and make sure your business is launch-ready across web, SEO, and marketing.
Need help with any step?
Call Vanessa: 0412 401 933
Email: support@brighterwebsites.com.au
Or visit our Knowledge Base for detailed setup guides.?
